ensett wrote:Am I the only one nervous about Winfield? Not only his age, but the stats show that yeah he's great against the run, but he also gives up a huge amount of catches

From the article that OP posted...

"Winfield checked in as the fifth-best cornerback against the pass in the league. Here’s, in part, what PFF wrote about him: “His game is built upon allowing catches for short yardage and making stops in coverage — evidenced by four complete seasons in which he is yet to allow more than 10 yards per reception into his coverage.”

But the most interesting nugget from the site: “It shouldn’t be forgotten that Winfield gets the job done in coverage and hasn’t allowed a touchdown in the past three years.”"

Isn't Thurmond still in competition for this spot? Even if it is a couple games down the season. I've heard through many of you and other non quotable articles,,, That Thurmond has, so far, looked very very well. He's been injured most of his career and from what Ive heard from others ( http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/a ... 65f2c3b446) is , that he is healthy and the sky's the limit.

Thurmond will be key depth for all three CB positions and will probably get game reps, but I can't see him beating out Winfield. The old vet is a game changer. Makes plays all over the field and has the types of unique talents that PC covets.

JSeahawks wrote:I think Thurmond beats him out as the primary nickel back. Although we will definitely find some uses for Winfield as well.

I doubt it. Pete'll probably push Winfield to teach Thurmond everything he can while Winfield plays primarily, IMO. Then the next year, Thurmond can step up. Think about the Lawyer Milloy/Kam Chancellor scenario in 2010.

Also, hasn't allowed a touchdown in the last three years? Holy Christ!

Winfield will get the starts and the bulk of running downs but III will relieve him for passing downs and late in games. That will allow us to use III all over the field to spell both Sherman and Browner while also proving he can handle the rigors of the NFL game field. It will also help to keep Winfield fresh for later in the season and playoffs.

It's pure craziness to consider how much talent we have not only in our backfield but as reliefs as well. This really might be the best backfield ever assembled and we haven't even talked about the rookies. Gotta love it.

I don't know who will win the job but I hope Winfield does, because that means that Winfield's playing at least at the same level he did last year, and while Thurmond is awesome, there's no way he's as good as vintage Winfield. Having that package of covering AND run support is practically priceless.

1) Winfield is one of the better slot defenders in the NFL. Winfield is better at coverage vs slot WRs than Trufant was presumably from his years of practice with Percy Harvin.

2) Winfield is one part nickel corner, one part nickel linebacker.

3) Forcing Thurmond to stay at 4, will reduce his re-upping cost after this season, that plus his injury history will allow us to retain him on the cheap and we can plug him at Nickel in 2014.

4) As others said, I wouldn't risk extensive playing time for an injury riddled player.

5) And as others said, Thurmond is likely only CB we have that can play in all spots consistently and effectively. Winfield doesn't have the speed to play outside, Sherman and Browner don't possess the quickness to play inside. Thurmond can do it all which makes him key backup to all spots.

JSeahawks wrote:I think Thurmond beats him out as the primary nickel back. Although we will definitely find some uses for Winfield as well.

I doubt it. Pete'll probably push Winfield to teach Thurmond everything he can while Winfield plays primarily, IMO. Then the next year, Thurmond can step up. Think about the Lawyer Milloy/Kam Chancellor scenario in 2010.

Also, hasn't allowed a touchdown in the last three years? Holy Christ!

As good a guess as any.

Not earth-shattering news, but I have it on good authority that Winfield has lost much of his quickness and speed. He will still make it hard for teams to run at us in the nickel, but if WT3 can show against the run, he could push for playing time.

Until we develop a pass rush that will cause opposing teams to be forced to scheme to defend it we will never be able to completely take the final step. That was done and the final step was taken. The OLine still needs work.

I too don't believe Thurmond starts over Winfield, and after seeing him in the Real Rob report and all the talk about his play during OTA's, i still think he's got it.. At the very least he starts this year at nickle, Thurmond comes in on dimes and/or obvious passing downs... We have good depth at corner, who ever performs the best, will be in there ...

There are so many things going on with our Seahawks... adding Percy, Bennett, Avril...Is Russell going to continue on with his improvement from the second half of last year... Marshawn's upcoming court case...Bruce's suspension to start the season...Will Clem and Carp be ready to start the season...It was easy to be in the know, but put on the back burner what AW can do for us. If he can play as our coaches hope he can, he will add a spectacular component to our defense.